My new wife and I, and 2 other coupples traveled on the western Caribbean cruise from October 16 to 23rd. This was our 6th cruise, 4th on Carnival, first on the Dream. For this cruise we moved up to a balcony on the 6th or 8th deck, positioned right above the shops.
First the good. The boat is a beautiful ship and well designed, tastefully decorated. The room was spacious, the balcony a nice change. Great design overall. Getting on and off the boat was the fastest, smoothest, I have ever experienced. I think Carnival has nailed this process that can be a real pain. Food choices with the tandori grill, pasta bar, Mongolian grill, burrito bar, and others was great. There was absolutely no reason to eat the same thing twice over the course of a week.
The serenity area for adults only was beautiful, and a welcomed addition. Lots of places to sit and read, comfy chairs, etc. The rest of the boat had great chairs, and even little end tables to place your drink upon between chairs everywhere. There were lots of hot tubs but it seemed not many people in them. Only 1 of the several I tried had hot water, the rest was more luke warm which I didn't understand or experience before.
The doors to the balconies are constantly slamming and it is what will wake you each morning. Not your door, but those of your neighbors. Our bed was already extremely scalloped with 2 prominent channels for us to lie in. Lots of closet space, bathroom was a little larger than normal, and the balcony was really nice to sit.